Muscat: The Ministry of Health (MoH) inaugurated Oman’s first mobile unit specialized in decontamination from hazardous materials at Khasab Hospital in Musandam Governorate. The initiative marks the beginning of a national project to deploy 11 specialized units across all governorates to enhance national emergency response capabilities, mitigate contamination risks, and safeguard healthcare personnel and public medical infrastructure.
The inauguration ceremony was held under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem Al Farsi, Wali of Khasab, with representatives from military and government entities and local medical personnel in attendance.
Phased Implementation and Local Manufacturing
Dr. Mohammed bin Saif Al Busaidi, Director of the National Centre for Health Emergency and Risk Management, stated that the project is structured across three execution phases. The initial phase includes the manufacturing and outfitting of two operational units entrusted to the local firm Innovation Factory for Scientific Research and Development, reinforcing national expertise in technical healthcare equipment manufacturing.
The mobile units are self-contained and equipped with independent power generators, ventilation, air conditioning, control systems, and specialized drainage to handle both wet and dry decontamination processes. Designed for field deployment and integration with the National Medical Emergency Team, these versatile units isolate toxic hazards and protect surrounding environments during chemical, biological, or industrial incidents.
Standardized Response Protocol
Operational procedures for handling exposure cases follow an integrated medical protocol:
Triage & Protection: Immediate patient sorting while healthcare teams deploy personal protective equipment (PPE).
Decontamination: Removal of contaminated clothing, followed by field washing, drying, and provision of clean replacement clothing.
Medical Transfer: Safe transport of stabilized patients to emergency departments or designated medical facilities.
The project represents a joint effort by the National Centre for Health Emergency and Risk Management, the Directorate General of Projects and Engineering Services, and Innovation Factory. On the sidelines of the event, Dr. Hassan bin Issa Al Balushi delivered a technical lecture on hazardous materials management protocols, alongside a screening documenting the manufacturing phases of the unit.